The Vatican has confirmed the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American head of the Roman Catholic Church, at the age of 88. The pontiff, who served for over 12 years, died early Monday morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), according to an official statement delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell and released via the Vatican’s Telegram channel.
Known for his humility, progressive outreach, and fierce advocacy for human rights, Pope Francis leaves behind a remarkable legacy as one of the most influential and socially active popes in modern history.
Final Days Marked by Health Struggles and A Call for Freedom
The Argentine-born leader had been facing mounting health complications, including pneumonia, for which he was recently hospitalized. On March 23, Pope Francis was discharged after five weeks of medical treatment, but his public appearances had noticeably declined in recent weeks.
I would like us to renew our hope that #peace is possible! From the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of the Resurrection, where this year #Easter is being celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox on the same day, may the light of peace radiate throughout the Holy Land and the entire world.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) April 20, 2025
Despite his frail health, the pontiff continued to deliver powerful messages. On what would be his final public address during Easter Sunday, Francis called for freedom of thought, religious tolerance, and respect for all beliefs — a poignant reminder of the values he championed throughout his papacy.
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others,” read his address, which also condemned the rise of global anti-Semitism and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Due to his health, the Pope had delegated the reading of his traditional Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and the World”) blessing to an associate during this final Easter celebration — a historic first since his election to the papacy in March 2013.
A Papacy Defined by Reform and Compassion
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, broke several precedents when he was elected the 266th pope. He was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
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Throughout his papacy, Francis was celebrated for bringing a more compassionate and socially conscious tone to the Vatican. From advocating for climate action and economic justice to promoting interfaith dialogue and addressing clerical abuse scandals head-on, his leadership reshaped the image of the Catholic Church.
Remarkably, Francis also became the first pope in over a century to reside outside the Vatican’s lavish Apostolic Palace, choosing instead to live in a modest guesthouse at Casa Santa Marta. His simplicity and rejection of excessive papal privileges endeared him to millions across the globe.
A Relentless Work Ethic Despite Age and Illness
Despite being urged by doctors to slow down, Pope Francis famously avoided taking holidays and maintained a punishing schedule well into his late 80s. Even as his health faltered, he refused to curtail his duties until recent weeks, missing key Holy Week events for the first time in his papacy, including the traditional Good Friday Stations of the Cross at Rome’s Colosseum and the Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Tributes Pour In From Around the World
As news of his death reverberated globally, tributes poured in from world leaders, religious figures, and ordinary citizens who mourned the passing of a man often referred to as the “People’s Pope.”
The Vatican is expected to release details soon regarding funeral arrangements and the conclave to elect his successor.
Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a transformative era for the Roman Catholic Church — one defined by calls for mercy, humility, and a passionate plea for global peace in a divided world.
